Last year’s Thiess Hear and Say Fundraising Ball was truly a blast and their best ever!!!!

A record 620 guests embraced the Back to the 80’s theme with costumes and characters including Elton John, The Mario and Luigi Brothers, Bob Marley, Don Johnston, Star Wars characters, Ghost Busters, Indiana Jones, Madonna, Top Guns, Punk Rockers -- even Merv Hughes was there!

The highlight of the evening was when eight year old Tyler Flanders spoke to the crowd of corporates, supporters, parents and friends.

Tyler lost hearing in both ears as a result of contracting Meningitis at six months of age – today his speech and language is just like any eight year old. You could hear a pin drop as Tyler spoke about the difference Hear and Say has made to his life. His speech included many funny examples of when his one of his cochlear implants had gone missing, Stuck on metal shelves (they are magnetised) dropped in toilets and lost in a major shopping centre only to be found in the back of the car after a long search.

Plenty of laughs, a few tears and some great raffle prizes and auction items raised much needed funds for Hear and Say – a record breaking $255,000.

Melissa Downs from Channel 9 was the MC for the evening, and as you would expect from the great team at the BCEC the food was excellent. Guests were entertained by Australian comedian Syd Heylan Junior and danced along to the Electric 80’s Tribute Band.